Piece-Info
Hero and World
On 15 April 1897, Strauss wrote: »Symphonic poem Held und Welt beginning to take shape; also Don Quixote as a satyr play.« The note proves that »Ein Heldenleben« (as »Held und Welt« later became) and »Don Quixote« are two sides of the same coin, namely ironic refractions of the term Held (hero). »Don Quixote« was first performed in Cologne in 1898. With its virtuoso cello part, the symphonic poem is a real challenge for any orchestra. Friedrich Grützmacher was fetched from Dresden to ensure that the premiere went off without a hitch. The former solo cellist of the Royal Saxon Kapelle is until today regarded as one of the great interpreters of »Don Quixote«.
Programme
Max Reger Variationen und Fuge über ein Thema von Mozart op. 132
Richard Strauss »Don Quixote«. Fantastische Variationen über ein Thema ritterlichen Charakters op. 35
More info: staatskapelle-dresden.de
